Category: Home Security

Don’t think door reinforcement is important?

Here’s a question then. How do most burglars enter homes?

The answer may surprise you. They aren’t sneaking down the chimney or creeping in through your basement window; most of them simply walk right up to your door and smash their way through it. It may be hard to believe, but the stats back it up:

• 34% of burglars break in through the front door
• 22% gain entry using the back door
• 9% get in via the garage

In short: 65% of burglaries involve a criminal being able to defeat your front door security. Securing your home with a monitored home security alarm system is a good place to start. But a layered approach offers even more protection than relying solely on a burglar alarm to call the police. What’s the best place to start securing your perimeter? By focusing on your first line of defense: exterior doors.

Is Your Door Strong Enough?

An issue we see in many homes is people using an interior door on an exterior entry point. An interior door is one that you would most likely use for your bedroom or bathroom. These hollow-core doors are usually made of a thin veneer with a hollow center; they’re designed for privacy, not security.

You can put the best locks in the world on a hollow-core door, but it won’t do you any good if a 12-year-old can kick through it at the door’s weak points. Replace any hollow-core exterior doors with metal-insulated or solid wood doors. This one door reinforcement step will make them much more resistant to burglar attacks.

Reinforcing Your Door

Armor Concepts make a door reinforcer called Door Armor — essentially, a metal sleeve that bolts around the door in the area of the doorknob and deadbolt to give that part of the door additional strength.

This helps to prevent the door from breaking in the area of the lock from a kicking or prying attack. Door Armor can also be used to temporarily secure a door that has been recently broken into, giving it some strength until a new door can be installed.

Selecting the Right Locks for Your Door

As surprising as it may sound, many burglaries happen to homes that were left unlocked. The burglar didn’t have to break in at all—just turn the doorknob. Sometimes people make burglars’ lives even easier by not closing the door in the first place. Talk about an open invitation! It’s more common to leave garage doors open, but police tell us they frequently encounter cases where apartment doors, dorm doors, and house doors have been left standing open, and a burglar seized the opportunity. It would seem obvious that the first things to do would be to close your doors and use the locks that you currently have. Any lock is better than no lock. But some types of locks aren’t much better than leaving your door wide open. You need the right type of lock on your door if you want any protection.

Why knob locks aren’t good enough

One type of lock is the knob lock. It has a key slot in the doorknob on the outside and a thumb turn or button on the inside doorknob.

If a knob lock is your only protection on the exterior door, your home may be vulnerable. Here’s why:

• The locking mechanism is in the doorknob itself, which is vulnerable. All a burglar needs to do is saw off the doorknob, knock it off with a hammer, or twist it off with a pair of pliers. Once that’s out of the way, it takes a bit of finesse with needle-nose pliers or a screwdriver to open your door.
• Another problem with the knob lock is that the latch is too short. A burglar can defeat this type of lock by a shim attack, like using a credit card or similar object to push the latch back and open the door. Or the burglar can use a spreading attack, prying the door open with a large screwdriver or wrecking bar.
• Lastly, a door with a knob lock may be possible to kick open because the latch is so short and it doesn’t go deep enough into the strike plate to hold solidly when any real force is applied.

Why you should have a single-cylinder deadbolt

If all you’ve got on your door is a knob lock, you can add a second layer of protection with a deadbolt lock positioned 6–8 inches above or below your doorknob.

A single-cylinder deadbolt has a key slot on the outside and a thumb turn on the inside. When you fully extend the deadbolt, you can’t push the bolt back in, like you may be able to do with a knob lock. This prevents someone from using a knife or other sharp object to pry the bolt back and open the door. Look for a deadbolt with a bolt that is a minimum of 1 inch when fully extended. Also, look for a lock that has a tapered cylinder guard. The slot you stick the key into is called the cylinder. The piece of metal that goes around the cylinder is the cylinder guard.

This should be tapered, meaning it should be wider around the part that goes up against the door and narrower toward the front where the key goes. A tapered cylinder guard makes it harder for someone to chisel or drill into the cylinder guard. The cylinder guard should be free spinning, which means you can twist it or spin it around and around without doing any damage, preventing someone from unscrewing the cylinder guard and removing the lock. Deadbolt locks offer several security benefits:

• The locking mechanism is protected because it is inside the door where it can’t simply be smashed off.
• The deadbolt can’t be pushed back in after it’s fully extended, reducing the chance a burglar will be able to open the door with a shimming attack.
• The deadbolt is longer than the latch on a knob lock, so it will be harder for a burglar to “spread” the door and pry it open.
• The deadbolt goes far enough into the doorjamb wood and strike plate to hold when it is kicked (provided the strike plate is properly installed, which we’ll discuss later).

How to Choose a Deadbolt Lock

When looking for the best deadbolt lock, it’s important to choose quality over price. Sure, there are $8 deadbolts available at discount stores, but it’s important to look for a lock that meets the specifications outlined to adequately protect you. Do you often forget to lock your deadbolts? Get a smart deadbolt instead. With the Yale Assure Lock Touchscreen Keypad, you can lock and unlock your doors via your phone. That way, even if you leave for work one morning and forget to lock the door behind you, all you need to do is pull up your app and enable the lock with a single tap.

Plus, your family members can all punch in their unique passcodes that give them keyless entry. Want to let in a housekeeper or rent out your home for Airbnb? Allow guests temporary access with key codes that expire after a set period of time; no more handing out spare keys.

Deadbolts that protect against key bumping

Recently, there has been a lot of buzz on the internet about key bumping to unlock deadbolt locks without damaging them. Locksmiths have been doing this for decades, but in recent years, lockpicking enthusiasts have produced all sorts of YouTube videos, instructions, and tools enabling anyone to open most ordinary deadbolts with ease. In a nutshell, a special bump key is inserted into the lock, and it’s struck with a plastic hammer. This causes the tumbler pins inside the lock to fly up randomly, and after a couple of whacks, the pins line up correctly and the lock can be opened. If you really want to protect your family, yourself, and your possessions, it’s a good idea to invest in a high-security deadbolt such as the Medeco Maxum Residential Deadbolt. Don’t overlook this important step in door reinforcement.

Once used primarily for protecting nuclear power plants, laboratories, and government facilities, Medeco high-security deadbolts are now being used in more residential settings to combat the fear of key bumping. Let’s get technical. This Medeco lock exceeds ANSI (American National Standards Institute) grade 1 standards for auxiliary locks. Grade 1 is the highest rating. This lock features a free turning collar, making it resistant to attacks from tools like pipe wrenches or cold chisels, and quarter-inch diameter mounting bolts that resist wrenching, prying, and hammering attacks. It has a hardened steel bolt that is 1 inch when fully extended, which makes it resistant to sawing and crowbar attacks. There are also hardened steel inserts and pins that rotate to make it that much harder to pick or drill, in accordance with Underwriters Laboratories UL 437 standard. The Biaxial® design offers a utility patent that provides protection against unauthorized key duplication. In other words, no hardware store will be able to make a duplicate key unless you authorize it. The Medeco’s strike plate makes it highly resistant to kick-in attacks: The strike plate’s special box design is anchored directly to the building structure behind the doorframe with 2-inch screws. The steel bolt and bolt throwing mechanism are surrounded by heavy-gauge tubular steel housing, which provides substantial resistance to crowbar attacks. And high-tensile steel mounting bolts hold the lock’s solid brass design together, making it strong against prying and hammer attacks. Medeco’s lock has several features that make it so resistant to lock-picking, including false slots on the bottom pins, mushroom top pins, a special rotating and elevating pin tumbler design, and a sidebar mechanism. These features are also what make this lock so resistant to key bumping. If all this weren’t enough, it is very difficult to defeat this lock by drilling because hardened steel inserts are positioned in crucial areas of the deadbolt cylinder.

The most important thing about a deadbolt: Use it consistently

Before we leave deadbolts, consider this: Having the best lock in the world does no good if you don’t use it. You might have deadbolt locks on your doors right now. You probably lock the deadbolt at night. But did you lock the deadbolt when you left home this morning? Did you put the key in the slot and lock it? If you did, great! If you didn’t, that deadbolt lock wasn’t doing you any good at all. You were putting all your faith in your old knob lock, and we’ve already discussed how unreliable that can be. Locks should be locked when you are away from home and when you are home. We’ve seen cases where unlocked homes have been entered while the resident was outside working in the backyard, painting, or sunbathing. We’ve also seen cases where unlocked homes have been entered while the occupants were asleep, in the shower, or in another part of the home. That’s why—while it sounds so simple—it’s so important to keep your doors (and deadbolts) locked at all times.

The Hidden Dangers of Windows Too Close to Your Door

If you’ve got a window in your door or very close to it, you’ve got a potential problem. If you have glass within 40 inches of your lock’s thumb turn, you’ve got to do something. Here’s why. If a burglar breaks the glass in your door, all they have to do is reach in and turn the thumb turn to open your door.

The best thing to do is to replace that door with one that doesn’t have a window. And, while you may lose some of the aesthetic value of having a window around the door, your door will provide more protection for you and your home. If you’re not willing or able to ditch the windows for a more secure door style, though, consider these other options.

Window bars or grates

A more extreme option is to put bars or grates over your windows near your door. In fact, in areas with higher crime rates, you’ll see bars or grates over all the windows. Before you install window bars, however, consult your state’s fire code to be sure it’s legal. In some areas of the country, you may be prohibited from putting bars over bedroom windows. This is so that if there is a fire, the firefighters will be able to rescue you, and if the firefighters are in your house battling a blaze, they know they’ll be able to get out through a bedroom window.

Double-Cylinder Deadbolt

Some people will install a double-cylinder deadbolt if there is glass within 40 inches of the door lock. A double-cylinder deadbolt has a key slot on the outside and a key slot on the inside instead of a thumb turn.

Here’s the theory: You leave the house. You put the key in the slot from the outside and lock your door. Along comes a burglar, who breaks your window and reaches in, but can’t get in because there is no thumb turn to open on the inside. While double-cylinder deadbolts are a powerful security measure, they also put you in danger in an emergency because of their design. Imagine this: You get ready to go to bed. You go over to the door to lock it. There is no thumb turn on the inside, so you have to insert your key into the slot to lock the door. You go to bed. Three hours later, you wake up in a smoke-filled house with your smoke detector going off. You manage to stumble your way to the front door, but you can’t get the door unlocked because there is no thumb turn and you have to now find the key, put it in the slot, and unlock the door. When you’re in an emergency situation, every second counts.

Polycarbonate resin windows

A final solution to windows too close to your door lock is to replace the window glass with a piece of polycarbonate resin. Polycarbonate resin is available from a glass installer and is about 300 times more resistant to breakage that a standard glass windowpane. The downside? It’s more expensive, scratches easier, and may yellow with age. These windows must be properly installed because even though it is almost impossible to break, if polycarbonate resin isn’t installed properly, it is possible to knock the whole piece out of the frame to gain entry. Once you understand the potential issues presented by using bars, grates, double-cylinder locks, and polycarbonate resin to bolster security if you have a window on or near your door, you can see why replacing the entire door may be the easiest and safest option.

Strike Plates

A critical part of securing your door is examining the strike plate. The strike plate is the piece of metal that is mounted to the doorjamb. It’s the piece that the deadbolt goes into when the lock is locked.

Here’s the problem with many strike plates: Builders installed the plate with the half-inch screws that came with the strike plate. When a burglar comes along and kicks your door, even if you’ve got a deadbolt lock, because the strike plate screws are too short, the doorjamb splinters. The door comes open as one piece of the jamb goes flying across the room. Luckily, this strike plate problem is easy to fix. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Check the length of your strike plate screws.
• Replace the tiny little ones with screws that are 2.5–3 inches long. Now the screws not only go into the doorjamb, but they go clear into the door stud, deep enough to hold when the door is kicked.
• Consider replacing your strike plate with a heavy-duty strike plate such as the Prime-Line U 9539 Armored Security Strike Plate. It’s made of heavier material and will be larger than the standard strike.

Security Chains Versus Peepholes

Does your door have a security chain? You know, one of those little chains that you can latch and open your door a couple inches, presumably to look out the open crack and still be safe? If you have a security chain, don’t count on it to protect you.

The problem with the security chain is that it is a vulnerability in disguise. If you unlock your door, an intruder can easily shove their shoulder up against the door, snapping the chain to gain entry. Police have to do this all the time to gain entrance to homes in emergency police calls. If you’ve got a security chain, get rid of it and install a peephole instead. Now instead of opening your door a crack to see who is out there, you can look through the peephole, keeping your door locked. Peepholes come in several styles now, but the traditional style will give you almost a 180-degree field of view. National Hardware N162-362 805 Door Viewer is a standard fish-eye peephole. It’s cheap, effective, and easy to install.

One disadvantage is that to look out of it, you have to put your eye right up to it. Someone on the outside can see the viewer get dark when this happens, which will indicate that someone is home. But there are other high-tech options when it comes to peepholes. VW Optics Wide Angle Peephole Door Viewer Doorscope is designed so you don’t have to put your face right up to the door to look out.

It works best at about three to four feet away. This wide-angle viewer will give you a 132-degree viewing area. You’re still going to need adequate outdoor lighting to see who is outside your door clearly at night. If you want the combined functionality of a peephole and a doorbell, the SkyBell Trim Plus Video Doorbell will turn your doorbell into a smartphone-integrated video camera.

You can easily see who is at your door on any device without letting them know you are home, ensuring your family’s safety. Plus, the SkyBell integrates into some top-rated security systems so you can control multiple devices from a single app. The viewer compensates for lower light levels, and the image is easy for anyone of any height to see. The SkyBell Trim Plus Video Doorbell also features zoom so you can get a closer look, and there is no fish-eye distortion like you would find on a traditional peephole. For more information on doorbell cameras and which one might be right for your home, contact your local alarm company.

Door Jammer

A door jammer is another option for additional door security. It is functionally similar to jamming a chair under the doorknob, but it’s more secure and sturdier than a chair.

The Buddybar Door Jammer

The Buddybar Door Jammer is a popular door jammer that provides your dwelling with an added measure of safety by reinforcing doors from intruders.

You can set the Buddybar up quickly and without tools. The powder-coated steel 16-gauge bar weighs 8.2 pounds and extends from 36 inches to 51 inches. Its 2-by-4-inch foot is rubber-coated steel and non-marring, which gives it a solid grip that works on wood floors, concrete, tile, or carpet.

The Buddybar is ideal for your home, apartment, dorm room, office, or hotel room, and it’s the stoutest home security bar currently on the market.

GE Personal Security Door Stop Alarm

Another door jammer option is the GE Personal Security Door Stop Alarm. Weighing only four ounces, it looks like a standard doorstop but has a built-in 120-decibel alarm. This door jammer does not just help keep intruders out; the alarm will alert you to their presence, giving you more time to react.

The GE Personal Security Door Stop Alarm is easy to use: You don’t need wires, and it runs off one 9-volt battery. (A battery indicator light lets you know when it’s time to change the battery.) To install the device, position it at the base of a door. If the door is opened, the Door Stop Alarm’s 120-decibel alarm will sound.

The Door Stop Alarm’s rubber foot works on carpet, tile, vinyl, and wood. With its gripping ability, the device functions as a doorstop that prevents a door from being opened.

This doorstop alarm is small enough to be easy to take anywhere. With this little device, you’ll be able to secure your apartment, dorm room, hotel room, or any room in your home.

Conclusion

Properly securing your doors is an investment of time, money, and energy. But the protection it provides is essential to keeping your home safe. This is why door reinforcement is so crucial.

Consider this: What is the potential cost of not securing your door?

Just remember: when a burglar can’t get in through your door, they’ll try your windows next.

Maintaining a consistent and comfortable temperature in the most efficient way possible is the main objective for any homeowner when it comes to finding the right thermostat.

To help you narrow down your search, we’ve done some research on two of the best thermostats on the market: the Nest Learning Third Generation and the Honeywell Lyric T6 Pro. Now, let’s talk Nest vs Honeywell.

We’ve broken our overviews into several key categories to get a sense of various features to help you in your search for the right thermostat.

Style – Google Nest vs Honeywell

Nest

The first thing you’ll notice is that the Nest Thermostat has a sleek circular design and is incredibly pleasing to the eye. It’s a modest 3.3 x 1.2 x 3.3 inches and weighs 1 pound, making it smaller and more compact than the Honeywell Lyric, but slightly heavier. It comes in black, copper, stainless steel, and white color variations.

The Honeywell T6 is a more traditional rectangular shape and has a slightly larger interface. It measures 5 x 5 x 2 inches and has a weight of 13 ounces, slightly lighter than the Nest.

Compatibility – Nest or Honeywell

Both thermostats are compatible with 95% of all heating and cooling systems across the US. It’s important to note, however, that not all heating systems are suitable for either thermostat; 110v and 220v heating systems are totally incompatible.

Please check the specs of your heating and cooling system prior to purchasing to ensure compatibility.

Nest Compatibility

• Google Home
• Amazon Alexa
• Belkin WeMo
• Philips Hue
• Amazon Echo
• Apple Watch

To check for compatibility: https://nest.com/thermostats/#works/

Honeywell Compatibility

• Amazon Alexa
• Apple Home Kit
• Google Home
• Samsung SmartThings

Programming/Features – Nest vs Lyric

Nest

What draws people to the Nest thermostat is its “learning” feature, which functions as the brain of the system. The device has the ability to learn your needs and to keep track of your daily temperature habits after a few days of use. You can also customize the temperature schedule using your mobile device with the Nest Smartphone App, which is free to download.

Other attractive features of the Nest Learning Thermostat vs the Lyric are the built-in motion sensors, smart algorithms, and location tracking which determines whether or not you’re at home, and changes the temperature of your home accordingly. This leads to overall better temperature control.

Honeywell

The Honeywell T6 has simpler, more conventional programming, using standard manual “on and off” functionality.

The T6 Pro includes geofencing which can be controlled by downloading the free Honeywell Connect Comfort App. Geofencing allows you to set a customized perimeter around your house to determines your location relative to your home.

This allows the system to automatically adjust the heating and air conditioning in your home before you arrive or after you leave.

Additionally, the T6 Pro integrates with your home security system through Total Connect. Those with pre-existing Honeywell products may want to consider sticking with the same ecosystem to keep things simple.

Both the Nest and the Honeywell thermostats are WiFi capable and can be controlled using the touch-screen interface or remotely through a mobile device.

Energy Savings

Nest

As reported by Nest, a Learning Thermostat can save an average of 10%-12% on heating and 15% on cooling (based on data compiled from people living in 41 different states by three independent studies and a whitepaper.) This translates to potential average annual savings of around $131.

Honeywell

The Honeywell system is also designed to improve efficiency and save you money. A 2014 study produced by technical and strategic consultancy firm, Cadmus, reviewed Honeywell data from 140,000 households across the US.

The statistics show that the average cost savings of the Honeywell thermostat was slightly higher than Nest, coming in at $135.

Warranty

Nest

The Learning Thermostat comes with a two year warranty. However, if you purchased your Nest Thermostat and installation from a Nest Pro, you’ll be able to get an additional Extended Pro Warranty, which adds three additional years of coverage.

For more information you can visit: https://nest.com/support/article/extended-pro-warranty

Honeywell

The Honeywell T6 Pro is backed by Honeywell’s 5-year warranty.

Price

There’s not too much difference in the price, but the Nest Learning comes in at a pricier $249, which is over $100 more expensive than its Honeywell competitor.

Alarm New England is a trusted home security provider having served MA, CT, and RI businesses for over 50 years. Interested in a smart thermostat? Learn more about our home security solutions.

Have questions? Simply want to learn more? Meet the team from Alarm New England.

Whether you are planning to move to the northeast, or just want to see where your hometown ranks in the best places to live in the region, in this post we are listing 14 of the best places to live in New England!

About New England

New England is an area spanning several U.S. states in the top right pocket of North America. The Atlantic Ocean lies to the East, Canada borders the North, while the State of New York closes around the West. It is this unique geography that plays a role in the immense diversity found in New England.

New England features an abundance of natural landscapes and wilderness. The six states that form New England are Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

The fact that each one is rooted in its own distinct culture and history, while having a share of the region’s natural beauty, is what makes New England popular among both its residents and visitors.

For those wanting to move to New England, you’ll be spoiled for choice by the number of bustiling cities, charming suburbs, and vibrant towns to live in.

Great History

New England is the birthplace of the United States. It is in this region where the first Europeans settled and built the “New World.” The Mayflower, which set sail from England, first lowered her anchor in New England’s waters back in 1620.

Over generations, the new inhabitants began to break away from British rule to form an independent nation. More than just being home to Revolutionary War memorials and famous museums, New England also has a wealth of Native American historical sites to explore as well.

Photo credit – By Bestbudbrian – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35493560

Weather

“Yes, one of the brightest gems in the New England weather is the dazzling uncertainty of it. There is only one thing certain about it, you are certain there is going to be plenty of weather.” – Mark Twain.

A popular expression in New England is: “If you don’t like the weather, wait ten minutes.” And it’s easy to see why. The region has is well-known for its distinct seasons, but also its unpredictable weather changes.

The four seasons each have their own unique temperatures and tones, which makes New England an enjoyable place to live — but only from April through November (if you ask some).

Best places to live in New England, by state:

Massachusetts

Massachusetts is the birthplace of the American Revolution and the state capital, Boston, is New England’s most popular tourist destination.

As the home of Harvard University, MIT, and a myriad of other top-notch colleges, the state is a global leader in academia and higher education. Nowhere else in New England has better scenery, more delicious seafood, and worse traffic.

Some of the best towns to live in Massachusetts are Franklin, Newton, and Lexington, MA.

1. Franklin

This historic town is named after Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the nation. Franklin is a popular town for those interested in education. More than 6000 students are currently enrolled in schools across the town, with most participating in school sports (ranging from ice hockey to yoga).

Parents have a wide variety of private and public schools to choose from. The town is also home to the country’s first public library, which Franklin himself actually donated books to.

2. Newton

Newton is a suburb in Boston, Massachusetts. This area offers big city amenities, luxurious shopping outlets, and charming neighborhoods. Newton also possesses a strong public school system, making it a popular choice for families to settle down here. Most Newtonites work and live in the suburb, rather than commuting to downtown Boston. However, it must be noted that Newton does have an above average cost of living.

3. Lexington

Photo credit – By Daderot, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1781877

This affluent, sought after neighborhood makes the list for good reason. Lexington is a charming, downtown suburb that offers some of Massachusetts’ best features. Some of the top-ranking school systems in the country call Newton one of the best places to live in New England for families. However, a warning must be given regarding the high costs for property and living here– it’s above the national average.

Connecticut

Connecticut has a reputation for being mostly suburban and lacking the “quaint city” feel of Boston and Providence, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do.

Check out the Maritime Aquarium or Mystic Seaport during the day, and in the evening venture into the vibrant nightlife scene in the downtown area. Visit the rural countryside in Litchfield Hills or get lucky at one of the two major Native American casinos. Which neighborhood do we recommend moving into?

4. Stamford

Boasting a booming financial district, those wanting to get their foot into a corporate position need only knock on the doors of one of the many businesses or Fortune 500 companies in the area. Stamford, which makes up part of the Greater New York Metropolitan area, offers those moving here plenty of shopping, arts and culture, and low crime rates. A bonus location to check out in Connecticut is Guilford, one of the best places to live in New England for retirees.

Photo credit – By John9474 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73054159

Rhode Island

Rhode Island holds the title of being the smallest state in the country. Despite its size, the state is full of lively neighborhoods. Here are our best picks of places to live in Rhode Island:

5. Bristol

Bristol is beautiful but expensive. Thanks to plentiful outdoor activities, restaurants, and stores, you’ll be kept busy all year round. Neighbors are described as friendly and approachable. Bristol also has Roger Williams University, a private liberal arts institution.

Photo credit – By Notyourbroom – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7280212

6. Cranston

With an appealing mix of both city and town living, Cranston is in close proximity to the beach and the forests. It’s also a close journey to the historic Pawtuxet Village, perfect for those wanting a taste of indigenous culture. The culinary scene is great for foodies, as Cranston has a large variety of seafood restaurants in the suburb. Summer can be spent on one of the many beaches, which offer water sports and outdoor recreation activities like kayaking, paddle-boarding, and surfing.

Vermont

Vermont is the rural, liberal capital of New England. Living here you’ll be able to appreciate the foliage falling in the autumn. Here are our picks of the best cities to live in Vermont:

7. Montpelier

Photo credit – By Farragutful – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=117558234

The capital city is brimming with lively culture, great food, and friendly people. Those drawn to the area will be welcomed by a progressive community that appreciates art and entertainment. The neighborhoods are affordable and the crime rate is low. There is also a large government presence in the area. Montpelier is fun to explore on foot and an interesting place to live.

8. North Bennington

North Bennington offers top private colleges, outdoor activities, and is home to a tight-knit community. Most residents travel outside the town for work. There are plenty of comfortable plots along the hill or beside the woodlands.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is a tiny state referred to as ‘The Granite State’ because of the extensive rock formations and quarries within the state. This denotes that winter in New Hampshire is a skier’s paradise.

Here you’ll find some of the biggest ski resorts in the country. In the summer, families can enjoy the views of idyllic lakes or weekends away at one of many ocean resorts in New Hampshire. Here are our recommendations of the best neighborhoods to live in:

9. South Hooksett

This small, quaint village sits snugly between the cities of Manchester and the state’s capital, Concord. With a population of just a few thousand, South Hooksett offers an escape from the frenzy of the inner city, whilst still being close enough to commute in regularly for work or play.

In South Hooksett, you’ll find all the necessary conveniences and offerings that a household or family would need. This is great for young professionals looking to own property or save up whilst working in the region. For those moving here with family, the public schooling system and recreational facilities are more than adequate and accessible.

10. East Merrimack

Photo credit – By John Phelan – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32333036

Situated along the Merrimack River, this neighborhood forms the prosperous residential area known as East Merrimack. Here you’ll find spacious property, welcoming neighbors, and an expanding collection of small businesses and recreational facilities.

One can commute to major hubs like Boston or NYC in only a few hours because of the immediate access to the highway. Residents here report high standards of living; especially because of the affordability of rental apartments, an abundance of coffee shops and restaurants, and the availability of educational and community services.

11. Concord

Neighborhoods in Concord are modern and safe. The downtown area has been recently renovated to make it more accessible to pedestrians with walkways and open spaces.

All the retail stores you could possibly want to shop in are found here. One can find all the big-brand chain stores and supermarkets here, as well as a selection of local boutiques and a Chinatown. For those wanting to raise a family in the area, Concord boasts a number of established private schools and colleges.

12. Hanover

Hanover is located along the Connecticut River in what is recognized as the “Upper Valley.” This ideal town is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families.

Some of the biggest pull factors for moving here would be lower crime rates than the national average, a stable housing market and a strong education system. Not to mention, there is an endless amount of things to do and experience in the city, in public parks and in the wilderness areas.

Maine

Maine is the easternmost state in the United States. Along the jagged, rocky coastline are the popular Atlantic seacoast villages that serve tasty lobster and clam cuisine.

Moving inland you’ll encounter thick forests and rolling mountainsides. Maine remains a picturesque place to live. Here are our top picks for neighborhoods:

13. North Windham

For those truly seeking the small-town feel, North Windham is where to settle. The village is quiet, tightly-knitted and friendly, which denotes a strong sense of community. North Windham is a great place for family and the secluded lifestyle, with an abundance of nature parks and outdoor activities. One needs to be a resident of North Windham to appreciate just how friendly the community is.

14. Portland

Photo credit – By Zhengan – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50957673

Consistently voted as a top place for families to live, Portland naturally makes an appearance on this list too. Portland has a progressive waterfront community with a diverse culture and bubbly atmosphere. Here, in one of New England’s best small cities, you’ll find craft breweries, local eateries and loads of outdoor hiking and biking trails too. The active and buzzing feel denotes that Portland is one of the best places to live in New England for young adults and young families.

Picking a place to live in New England

New England is a remarkable place to live and visit. For those wanting to settle down in the region, it’s best to do further research into each town or city before moving there. Consider contacting a real estate agent or reaching out on a forum to local residents first. The above list gives a taste into some of the popular neighborhoods in New England.

The best places to live in New England are, indeed, numerous, but each one is rewarding and unique in their own way. Good luck!

At Alarm New England, we’ve served homes and businesses in the New England region for over 50 years. Contact us for your home and business security needs at (857) 445-4010. Want to learn more about security? Click here to meet the team.

In today’s rapidly evolving world of home security, having control at your fingertips is almost a requirement. With iPhone app-controlled security cameras, you can monitor your home from anywhere, ensuring peace of mind whether you’re at work or on vacation.

In this guide, we’re recommending 7 of the best home security cameras that can be managed from an iPhone app.

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Table of Contents

1. The Alarm.com Series

Amongst the array of options, the Alarm.com series stands out for its easy-to-use app that integrates seamlessly with the hardware. Alarm.com cameras offer robust features and intuitive controls, making them a top choice for homeowners seeking convenient and reliable security solutions. Most consumers tend to enjoy the 1080p wi-fi cameras with 2-way audio that Alarm.com offers.

• Alarm.com Pros: Wireless & seamless integration, intuitive iPhone app
• Alarm.com Cons: App only works with compatible hardware

2. Arlo Pro 3

Arlo Pro 3 takes home surveillance to the next level with its high-definition 2560p video quality (which is higher resolution than the usual 1080p) and versatile iPhone app control. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of setting up a multi-camera system or adjusting settings on the go, Arlo Pro 3 ensures a user-friendly experience.

• Arlo Pro 3 Pros: High quality video (2560p)
• Arlo Pro 3 Cons: Equipment is proprietary, reports of short battery life

3. Nest Cam IQ Indoor

A product from tech giant, Google designed to enhance your home security, the Nest Cam IQ Indoor boasts advanced features like facial recognition and crisp 1080p video streaming. With its tailored iPhone app interface, monitoring your home is easy and instant.

• Nest Cam IQ Indoor Pros: Smart Features, small low profile
• Nest Cam IQ Indoor Cons: Proprietary, Google Home app required, pay extra for features

4. Ring Spotlight Cam

Ring Spotlight Cam offers more than just standard surveillance. With its built-in spotlight and motion-activated alerts, it’s not merely a camera—it’s a protection system. Control it effortlessly via the Ring iPhone app for added convenience.

• Ring Spotlight Cam Pros: Spotlight camera provides extra protection and visibility, real-time alerts
• Ring Spotlight Cam Cons: Proprietary device can’t be reused, pay extra for Ring Protect

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5. Wyze Cam Pan

Experience panoramic surveillance with the Wyze Cam Pan, which offers a 360-degree field of view and automatic motion tracking. The Wyze iPhone app provides seamless control, so you can keep tabs on every inch of your home, even from afar.

• Wyze Cam Pan Pros: 360-degree pan and 180-degree tilt, two-way audio
• Wyze Cam Pan Cons: USB powered, not a wireless camera, mixed customer reviews

6. Blink Outdoor

The Blink line of cameras marks Amazon’s foray into the home security space. When it comes to protecting outside of your home, Blink Outdoor excels with its weatherproof design and long-lasting battery life. Have confidence knowing that your property has proper surveillance around its perimeter. Access a view of your home’s exterior at any time using Blink’s reliable iPhone app.

• Blink Outdoor Pros: Weather resistant, wireless, two-way audio, works with Alexa
• Blink Outdoor Cons: Motion detection is part of subscription plan, mixed customer service reviews

7. eufyCam 2C

The EufyCam 2C distinguishes itself with the promise of zero monthly fees, a rarity in the home surveillance market. Its iPhone app is seamless, offering users intuitive control over their home security system from anywhere in the world. With features such as excellent night vision, customizable motion zones, and a remarkable battery life of up to 180 days on a single charge, the EufyCam 2C ensures your home is monitored effectively without the hassle of frequent maintenance.

• eufyCam 2C Pros: No monthly fee built-in spotlight & night vision, weather resistant for outdoor use
• eufyCam 2C Cons: Requires HomeBase 2, no expandable storage

Our Recommendation

At Alarm New England, our recommendation is the Alarm.com series.

We are Alarm.com installers and verified partners. We’ve done so because we believe in the product, on both the hardware and software side. The Alarm.com iPhone app is our top choice when it comes to convenience, reliability, and functionality.

Call us at (857) 445-4010 to talk to a security expert.

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iPhone app-controlled cameras are becoming the standard in the home security world.

It’s smart to invest in a robust, modern solution that ensures your home’s protection, even when you’re away. These top-notch security cameras are all great options to help give you that peace of mind.

When it comes to safeguarding your home and loved ones, nothing should be left to chance. A state-of-the-art home security system is more than just a set of sensors and alarms—it’s a meticulously crafted shield that ensures your peace of mind. In this ever-evolving realm of security technology, what makes a system truly exceptional? Let’s talk about the 6 characteristics of a world-class security system.

1. Custom-Made To Your Needs

No two homes are alike, and neither should their security systems be. It’s important to design a custom system that includes everything you need, and nothing you don’t.

DESIGN YOUR SECURITY SYSTEM

2. Advanced Technology Designed To Serve You

A leading home security system leverages the latest technological advancements, incorporating smart automation to create a cohesive network. Mobile app integrations allow for real-time alerts and remote access, empowering homeowners with the ability to monitor and manage their home security from anywhere in the world.

3. Monitoring Around The Clock

Beyond passive defense, a top-tier security system provides proactive monitoring. This involves the use of a central monitoring station to keep an watchful eye and provide a proactive response in emergency situations. A proactive approach is critical in mitigating risks and ensuring a rapid response.

4. High Quality Components

The effectiveness of a home security system is directly tied to the quality of its components. High-resolution cameras, motion detectors, and reliable alarms are a must to provide comprehensive coverage. Quality hardware combined with sophisticated software results in top-notch performance and durability.

5. Easy-To-Use And Convenient

Accessibility is critical. State-of-the-art systems are equipped with intuitive interfaces that simplify the user experience. Whether it’s through a mobile app or voice commands and smart device integration, interacting with your security system should be straightforward and hassle-free.

6. End-To-End Encryption

In an era where data privacy is increasingly important, securing the transmission and storage of information is a necessity. Advanced security systems employ end-to-end encryption to protect your data from unauthorized access, preserving the confidentiality and integrity of your surveillance footage and personal details.

7. Professional Installation And Service Plans

Even the world’s best security system is rendered ineffective if it is not installed correctly. The best systems are professionally installed and maintained regularly. Be sure to choose a security provider that offers professional installation to ensure the system is working properly, and regular maintenance to keep it in good shape.

Don’t Wait, Get Better Security Today

Ready to elevate your home’s security? Contact Alarm New England today. Discover how our advanced security solutions can help, giving you and your loved ones the confidence that comes from knowing you are well protected.

Ready to elevate your home security? Contact us today for a personalized consultation.

DESIGN YOUR SECURITY SYSTEM